Resignation of Dr. Troy Knechtel

Hello Bucs Family-

As last school year ended, I began my medical leave in search of treatment options for my Parkinsons disease. This search led me to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, home of the nations top neurology department. I had heard of their reputation for finding creative ways to treat various illnesses, and I was hopeful they could do the same for me. However, I did not walk away with the answers I had hoped.

After a week of testing, my diagnosis was changed from Parkinsons disease to Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Unfortunately, MSA is a neurodegenerative disease which has, as of yet, no cure. Also unfortunately, this illness will not allow me to continue in my service to the school and community that I have loved since the day I interviewed for the job.

So, with a heavy heart, I have shared my diagnosis with Dr. Noland, Dr. Bach, and Dr. Aloia, informing them that I will not be able to continue as the director of University School as hoped. Instead, I will be going on disability retirement and moving to North Carolina to be near our son and his wife.

To the staff, students, and parents that make up the community that is University School, please know that these years serving as the director of US have been the best years I have experienced in my 29 years in education. Thank you for making that a reality. Know also that you will be in my thoughts and prayers continually and I will brag of you often.

From the depths of my heart, Thank you and God bless,

Dr. Knechtel
troy_knechtel@yahoo.com